Oct.19.2009

Japanese Bankers Association

Agreement to Execute Measures to Provide Easier Credit to SMEs

The Board of Directors Meeting held on October 20 agreed that banks would diligently respond to the credit needs of customers and requests to change conditions of repayment, etc. as a means to smooth out the lending process and availability of loans.

This agreement was reached as a result of the banking industry being aware that its duty is to play the proper role of a financial intermediary and to diligently respond to the credit needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), etc. and requests to change conditions of repayment under the current economic environment, particularly regarding SMEs. This agreement was reached to reinforce the earlier declaration by banks that ensuring smoother lending procedures was their most vital social mission and to implement various lending products and packages.

Particularly when responding to requests to change conditions of repayment, we must proactively work on measures that assist with the turnaround or growth of needy companies by responding more flexibly and in a more timely manner in light of their respective transaction histories or actual circumstances.